The Colosseum (or sometimes spelled Coliseum) in Rome, Italy is so called because of a colossal statue of Nero that once stood near the structure. Upon entering the Colosseum, visitors pass through hallways with numerous arches forming doorways to the exterior. Here, one can see numerous pockmarks in the structure where the metal bands that held the stones together were removed. Most of the seating inside the Colosseum has been removed or destroyed. Still, some seating remains. Romans were seated according to their class and position in Roman society. The Roman Emperor himself had a private entrance and boxes on the north side of the Colosseum. The Vestal Virgins shared private boxes on the south side of the structure. Even now, nearly two centuries after the Colosseum was built, the beauty of the stonework and the care in its construction are still evident.
Pockmarked Colosseum Arches
SOURCE: Pockmarked Colosseum Arches (Rome, Lazio, Italy); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 10 August 2011.
Colosseum Seating
SOURCE: Colosseum Seating (Rome, Lazio, Italy); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 10 August 2011.
The Roman Emperor’s Boxes
SOURCE: The Roman Emperor’s Boxes (Rome, Lazio, Italy); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 10 August 2011.
Colosseum Brickwork Detail
SOURCE: Colosseum Brickwork Detail (Rome, Lazio, Italy); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 10 August 2011.
Copyright © 2011 by Stephen J. Danko
